St Michael & All Angels Jane Pemberton, Becky Patch - Churchwardens Angela Smythe - Lay-readerSeptember 29th is the Feast of Michaelmas, celebrating St Michael and all Angels. Michael was not a human but a spirit, a manifestation of God who, along with Gabriel and Raphael, were three named biblical angels (archangels), depicted asbeloved messengers of god. A warrior, Michael is sent by God when wondrous acts of power needed to be performed. Michael means “one who resembles God”. We read of him, in the Old Testament book of David, protecting Israel and chosen individuals, in the New Testament book of Jude, fighting with Satan over Moses’ body, and mainly in Revelation,where he fights a war in Heaven to throw out the devil disguised as a dragon. Satan is vanquished and banished to earth where he dwells as the enemy of all who seek to do God’s will – and how hard he works!Michael is usually envisaged as leader of the heavenly host (all angels) and sometimes as receiver of souls on Judgement Day – to which the negro spiritual “Michael, row the boat ashore” refers. He is the Patron Saint of ambulancedrivers, bakers, mariners, paramedics, soldiers and battles – also national Saint of Papua New Guinea. His shield often flies above battlefields. He is shown wearing armour, sometimes on a white horse, holding a gatekeeper’s staff, a sword, scales (to weigh souls), banner and dragon.Joan of Arc claimed frequent visions of him urging her to save France. Most churches dedicated to him are on hillsides. There are 37 churches in his name in this Diocese. (Perhaps during troubled early mediaeval times, a warrior saint gave almost tangible comfort to those praying under his patronage – my musings!)We celebrate Michaelmas with Holy Communion at 5.30pm on Friday 29th September. If you can join us, welcome. Otherwise, please pray for evil to be vanquished and God’s peace to reign.Angela SmytheRegisterSunday 9th July Baptism George LockeFeteOn Saturday July 15th a very successful fete was held in the Old Rectory gardens and the hospitality of the Vester family in hosting this event again is much appreciated.Attendance was high despite the wet weather and a record amount raised. A huge thank you to Frances Worle for her superb organisation of the event and to all who helped, contributed,and to local businesses for their supportDiary Dates:Sunday 3rd September 9am “Xplore” family worship and breakfast in village hall. All welcomeSunday 24th September 11.15 am Children’s Harvest. 6.30 pm Harvest Thanksgiving followed by Harvest supperJane Pemberton